The key facts

  • 74-year-old Imran Khan received another intravitreal anti-VEGF injection in his right eye due to central retinal vein thrombosis
  • According to the hospital, he spent about 40–50 minutes at PIMS and was returned to prison at around 2:30 a.m.
  • The PTI party questioned the transparency of the procedure and demanded immediate access to Khan for his family, doctors and lawyers

Another hospitalization of the former premier

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, in custody since August 2023, was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for examination and repeat treatment of an eye condition, after which he was returned to prison. According to the hospital, the 74-year-old politician, serving a 14-year sentence in a corruption case in Rawalpindi, was given an intravitreal anti-VEGF injection by the ophthalmology team — a drug that suppresses vascular endothelial growth factor.

What the hospital reports

The hospital's statement says that Khan is undergoing a series of such injections in his right eye for central retinal vein thrombosis (CRVO) — a condition diagnosed after he reported a decline in vision. Before the procedure, he underwent an examination, including an ophthalmological assessment; his vital signs were normal. According to a hospital representative, Khan remained stable before, during and after the procedure, and at around 2:30 a.m. he was discharged with recommendations for further care. In total, according to various formulations of the statement, he spent from 40 to 50 minutes at PIMS.

Dispute over access and quality of treatment

Khan's access to medical care, his family and personal doctors has in recent months remained a point of conflict between his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the government. This time, the party questioned the transparency of the procedure performed and once again expressed concern about the politician's health and the quality of care in custody. The PTI statement said: 'The state bears full responsibility for his safety and well-being. His family, personal doctors and legal team must be granted immediate free access.' Khan himself, who led the government from 2018 to 2022, calls the numerous cases brought against him — from corruption to terrorism — a 'farce' and politically motivated.